Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Tax Collection topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Finance committee discusses resuming tax-title actions and resources to help delinquent taxpayers
Summary
Finance staff outlined plans to resume placing 2019–2021 accounts into tax title after a COVID-era pause, emphasized the town’s preference not to foreclose on owner-occupied homes, and described assistance options, including local counseling and a forthcoming state homeowner assistance fund.
The Finance Committee reviewed the town’s return to routine tax-collection practices following pandemic-era leniency on interest and penalties.
Ed Sentio explained the town delayed interest and did not place properties into tax title during the state of emergency. Staff now intends to move 2019–2021 accounts into tax title so the town can perfect liens and clean up its receivables. Sentio emphasized the policy is not a foreclosure strategy for owner-occupied single-family homes and said the town typically targets vacant land, commercial properties and second homes for lien-related processes.
Sentio said the town may sell receivables as part of its lien work, which helps cover outstanding balances without initiating foreclosure. He also said the finance office provides outreach and support, including referrals to Hands of Hope for debt counseling and lists of assistance programs.
Chair Stephanie alerted the committee that the state’s homeowner assistance fund will enter a soft launch around Jan. 1; eligible households at or below 100% of area median income who are at least three months behind on mortgage or taxes may apply, she said. The committee discussed whether transfers discussed earlier would affect homeowners; staff clarified those transfers are budget housekeeping and the tax-title process is separate.
Members asked for periodic, plain-language revenue summaries tied to tax-collection trends so the committee can monitor whether collections and lien actions are restoring the town’s financial position.
Next steps: staff will provide simplified revenue summaries for committee packets and continue to coordinate outreach to delinquent taxpayers to connect them with assistance options before initiating foreclosure steps.
